Delirium in learning disability: case series and literature review.

Although predisposing and facilitating factors for delirium are common in learning disabled patients, little is known about the occurrence of delirium in these patients. This paper presents three case reports and results of a manual and computer (Medline, Embase Psychiatry) search. In the literature only two case reports of delirium in learning disabled patients were found. These data were added to those of our three cases. The respective age of the patients was 16, 17, 51, 55 and 78 years. Delirium was associated with eye surgery, anticholinergic overdose, urinary infection, Alzheimer's disease and pulmonary infection, respectively. All patients had predisposing factors for delirium. The literature on delirium in learning disability is scarce. A reason for this may be that the diagnosis is often missed. Delirium is very distressing and raises morbidity and mortality. However, it is treatable, so more attention should be given to diagnosis and treatment, especially in these vulnerable patients. A practice guideline for the assessment and treatment of delirium in learning disability is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]